Catching Flights, Not Feelings

A couple of months ago I fell for a boy and man did I fall hard. It really does happen when you least expect it, like everyone says. One moment I was solo trekking around the world and the next thing I know I’m asking my mom what I should wear to my first “real” date in quite sometime. I was a nervous wreck. I hadn’t felt butterflies for someone like this since high school. The scariest part was… this guy made me WANT a travel partner. This past year I had discovered a love for solo travel, but when I connected with someone on a deeper level, it made me crave his company on my travels, something that was unknown to me.

Just like many great beginnings, this one ended. A simple phone call was all it took to make the window next to my seat my future headrest. I would be lying to you if I said it didn’t hurt because it absolutely SUCKED. During our time together we planned a beach trip to Tampa, Florida for Labor Day weekend. As if breakups weren’t hard enough it suddenly dawned on me WHAT ON EARTH AM I GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS UPCOMING TRIP?!

PSHHH…I refused to let this situation get to me and I said, “Fuck it, I’m going to Mexico.” Sadly, though, tequila and tacos were going to have to wait since last minute flights from St. Louis, Missouri were so expensive. Luckily, Southwest Airlines has no change fees so I rebooked my flight to Orlando, Florida for Harry Potter World. Who needs a romantic getaway when you have Harry Potter? Thanks Southwest, you are the real MVP.

Summary of my short getaway

**Note: I LOVE flying Southwest they allowed me to change the date, origin, and destination of my flight with NO CHARGE other than the difference in Airfare 48 hours before my flight all with a simple call to customer service. #MVP

Rental car:No, used Lyft to and from airport ($25 each way) & free hotel shuttle to Universal park.

Universal Pass: One Day Park to Park Pass – no express pass see below

**Note: There are 3 separate parks: Volcano Bay, Island Adventure, and Universal Studios. Island Adventure has Hogsmeade and Universal Studios has Diagon Alley. The Park to Park allows you to take the Hogwarts Express into the other park back and forth as many times as you would like so GET THAT PASS.

Tips to do before you go:

1.Check this website to see how busy the park is anticipated to be. I opted out of getting the Express Pass since it was a slow day for them. I saved $117! {$ money saver $}

Quick guide to Harry Potter World

1. Enter Island Adventure since it has three Harry Potter rides first. Arrive early and immediately ride all of the HP rides. I know it will be tempting to go in shops and explore but you will have PLENTY of time for that later.

2. Ride the Hogwarts Express to the other park Universal Studios and ride Escape from Gringotts before the line gets crazy long.

3. When possible, use the single rider line since it saves loads of time.

4. Now that you have been on all the rides, walk around and ENJOY! There is tons to do in Hogsmeade and Diagon alley. Go to the Owl post and get a free stamp for your postcard. Or maybe purchase an interactive wand and do some magic. Need a break? Grab a drink at the Hog’s Head.

5. Oh and please do yourself a favor and have some Butterbeer and ice cream it’s an absolute MUST!

Meal Recommendations

Moral of the story is… book Southwest! Haha, not kidding! On a more serious note, I didn’t think I would end up taking this trip solo. The trip was meant to be our trip but things change and I adapted to those changes. I made the best out of my situation and had a damn good time. It was the fresh start that I so desperately needed. It didn’t matter anymore how disappointed/heartbroken I felt, I wasn’t going to let it get the best of me. I was reminded that once again, sometimes the best company is me.

P.S. I don’t plan on Taylor Swifting and writing a post about every boy that hurts me, just the ones that result in amazing getaway trips. This trip helped me grasp what I needed this whole time. It’s a simple Fuck Yes or No. So don’t worry “Oxford comma guy” I’ll be just fine and I hope you will be too. I truly wish you the best. For now, I’ll stick to catching flights, not feelings until the right travel partner comes along.

I’m so glad I stumbled upon your post!! I’m headed to Orlando – specifically for HP World – and you saved me so much time and research with your post! Just shared it with my friend who I’m going with. Very excited.

On another note – props to you for being so open with your breakup. There is hope for great travel buddies though! I actually met my husband on a trip and he is literally my ultimate travel copanion.

Harry Potter World!!! We’ve been talking about heading down there for Halloween! Our list trip to Orlando wasn’t the greatest ( https://youtu.be/aCmQueATuOs ) we could have been better prepared! Thanks for the tips, we’ll definitely be using them!